Manchester United are continuing their push to rebuild their squad this summer as Ruben Amorim starts his first full season in charge of the Red Devils.
Joining United half-way through last season, Amorim inherited an uphill battle, with the club having come 8th the season before and were at the time struggling in the bottom half of the table.
With limited funds for winter signings, Amorim had to make the best of the squad at his disposal, however it wasn’t enough to fight their way into the top half of the Premier League table, coming 15th in their worst result since their relegation in 1973/74.
Now, Amorim has the chance to mould the squad to his playstyle, having already signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko to revitalise his attack.
However, when looking to strengthen his attacking line, another option was considered, with an official bid being submitted back in July.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTREDEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Spanish publication SPORT has now revealed that both Manchester United and Chelsea enquired about Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, with the paid of Premier League sides launching bids of around £70 million (€80 million).
Whilst the move would have resolved all of Barca’s financial issues, experiencing consistent issues with their salary cap to be able to register players, Hansi Flick refused to lose Lopez from his squad.
Flick was clear that he’d prefer to keep Lopez and make no further signings than to sell his attacking midfielder.
However, the extent of the bids made it hard for Barcelona to instantly refuse, though Flick’s determination to keep Fermin Lopez as well as the player’s own willingness to remain at Camp Nou saw the Spanish giants turn down the move.
Ultimately United landed Cunha and Mbeumo for the role, who are both proven Premier League talents, with Mbeumo costing the same as their bid for Lopez.
